Plunger for use with sanitary disposable cover

ABSTRACT

A method includes positioning a disposable cover over a base of a plunger and extending along a handle of the plunger. The method also includes securing the disposable cover to the handle of the plunger using a disposable cover fastener.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims the benefit of ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/370,095 filed on Aug. 1, 2022, the disclosureof which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to plunger devices and processes. Morespecifically, this disclosure relates to an improved plunger for usewith a sanitary disposable cover.

BACKGROUND

Plungers are typically used for clearing out clogged pipes. Typically,when a pipe is clogged, the fluids that are backed up contain wastematerials. When a plunger is used, the waste materials contact theplunger. The plunger drips and transfers the contaminants outside thearea of the clogged pipe. Additionally, plungers are typically let todry out without cleaning. When this happens, the contaminants remain ona surface of the plunger and can spread through the area in which theplunger is stored.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides an improved plunger for use with a disposablecover.

In a first embodiment, a method includes positioning a disposable coverover a base of a plunger and extending along a handle of the plunger.The method also includes securing the disposable cover to the handle ofthe plunger using a disposable cover fastener.

In a second embodiment, an apparatus includes a disposable cover and adisposable cover fastener. The disposable cover can be positioned over abase of a plunger and extending along a handle of the plunger. Thedisposable cover fastener can be configured to secure the disposablecover to the handle of the plunger.

In a third embodiment, an apparatus includes a plunger, a disposablecover, and a disposable cover fastener. The plunger includes a base anda handle. The disposable cover can be positioned over the base of theplunger and extending along the handle of the plunger. The disposablecover fastener can be configured to secure the disposable cover to thehandle of the plunger.

In an embodiment, a plunger system includes a plunger for clearing aclogged pipe and a plunger container for receiving and storing theplunger. The plunger includes a plunger cup, a plunger handle, and adisposable cover fastener. The plunger cup is formed of a flexiblematerial and is configured to create a seal when applied around a pipeto define an inner volume and plunge the inner volume of air down theclogged pipe when compressed. The plunger handle is coupled to a centerof an outer surface of the plunger cup and is configured to transfer aforce applied by a user to the plunger cup. The plunger handle includesa fixed portion and a removable portion. The fixed portion is coupled tothe plunger cup at a first end the fixed portion including a disposablecover passage extending through a center of the fixed portion. Theremovable portion is removably coupled to a second end of the fixedportion, the removeable portion including a disposable cover storageconfigured to store a plurality of disposable covers, where thedisposable covers can be removed through an opening in the removableportion and threaded through the disposable cover passage to an interiorof the plunger cup. The disposable cover fastener is coupled to theplunger handle and configured to secure a disposable cover around theplunger cup and at least a portion of the plunger handle. The plungercontainer includes a container base, a container body, a container lid,and a container dome. The container base is configured to support theplunger. The container body is coupled to the container base andconfigured to isolate the plunger from an exterior of the plungercontainer. The container lid is removably coupled to the container bodyand is configured to open or close to access or secure the plunger in aninterior of the container body. The container dome is coupled to thecontainer base and extends into the interior of the container body andconfigured to position the disposable cover within an interior of theplunger cup, where a shape of the container dome compliments an interiorsurface of the plunger cup.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in theart from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals represent like parts:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example plunger system in accordance withthis disclosure;

FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an example plunger system in accordancewith this disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example plunger system in accordance withthis disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example plunger system in accordance withthis disclosure;

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate an example plunger container inaccordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example plunger container with straps foraccepting a disposable bag pouch in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example plunger with perforated disposablebags stored in a plunger handle in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example plunger container with a portionof the container body separating in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example container lid with a secondary lidfor access to a disposable cover storage in the container lid inaccordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 10A through 10C illustrate an example dual hinge container lid foraccess to a disposable cover in the container lid in accordance withthis disclosure;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example container lid with a disposablecover drawer in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate disposable covers in accordance with thisdisclosure;

FIGS. 13A through 13G illustrate a disposable cover fastener inaccordance with this disclosure;

FIG. 14A through 14F illustrate disposable cover containers inaccordance with this disclosure; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a disposable cover fastener for a plunger inaccordance with this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 15 , described below, and the various embodiments usedto describe the principles of the present disclosure are by way ofillustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit thescope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand thatthe principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any typeof suitably arranged device or system.

As described above contaminants from clogged pipes can cause a plungercontainer and the area around the clogged pipe to also becomecontaminated due to improper cleaning of a used plunger. There are neuroviruses that can survive on the plunger for more than two weeks.Plungers can harbor dangerous bacteria and spread the bacteria to otherobjects in a bathroom.

The most common types of bacteria that can be spread by a used plungercan include E. Coli, salmonella, shigella, vibrio, etc. E. Coli cancause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps,etc. Salmonella can cause vomiting, nausea, headaches, chills, diarrhea,fever, abdominal cramps, etc. Shigella can cause bloody diarrhea,adnominal pains, stomach cramps, fever, etc. Vibrio can cause waterydiarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever, etc.

Soap and water is not enough to kill these viruses. Every part of theplunger must be totally disinfected with a bleach disinfectantimmediately following each use in order to not spread these viruses. Ifa plunger is contaminated, the floor and the plunger container will alsobe contaminated.

The USA has over 123.6 million households, 139,930 schools, 5300colleges and or universities, and countless businesses, restaurants,malls, airplanes, cruise ships, buses, trains, and hotels. All of thesehave toilets which can become clogged and most likely use a plunger. 76%of Americans have experienced a clogged toilet in a public restroom.Toilets can clog in various way including excessive toilet paper, babywipes, feminine products, child toys, excessive dumping, etc. 86% ofAmericans say a clogged public restroom toilet would negatively impacttheir opinion of a business. Additionally, clogged toilets can result infoul odors, restroom closures, unhappy customers, and increasedmaintenance costs.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example plunger system 100 in accordancewith this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1A illustrates an exampleplunger system 100 with a plunger 102 in a plunger container 104, FIG.1B illustrates an example disposable bag 106 applied to the plunger 102within the plunger container 104. The embodiments of the plunger system100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B are for illustration only. FIGS. 1Aand 1B do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particularimplementation of a plunger system.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, plunger system 100 can reduce contaminationspread by incorporating a disposable cover 106. The disposable cover 106can isolate the surfaces of the plunger 102 from any contaminantsrelated to a backed up pipe. The disposable cover 106 can conform to theinner surfaces of the plunger 102 to maximize the air plunged to relievea clogged pipe. After the pipe is unclogged, the disposable cover 106can be removed from the plunger 102 and disposed of in the toilet orother trash. The plunger 102 can be returned to the plunger container104 without spreading any contaminants. In certain embodiments, areplacement disposable cover 108 can be manually or automaticallypositioned over the plunger 102 to be ready for a subsequent clogging.

The plunger 102 can be used to relieve clogged pipes and can fit withinthe plunger container 104. The plunger 102 can include a plunger cup110, a plunger handle 112, and a disposable cover fastener 114. When apipe needs to be unclogged, the plunger cup 110 can have an opened endplaced over the pipe or area leading to a pipe such as a toilet. Theplunger cup 110 can create a seal around the pipe between a pocket ofair inside of the plunger cup 110 and the environment outside of theplunger cup 110. A user can apply a linear force to the plunger handle112 in the direction of the plunger cup 110 to forcibly move the airinto the pipe, relieving the clogged pipe after one or more pumps.

When the clogged pipe is not relieved on a pump, the plunger handle 112can be lifted in the opposite direction of the pump to break the seal ofthe plunger cup 110. The plunger cup 110 is replaced around the pipeopening to reengage the seal of the plunger cup 110. The process can berepeated until the clogged is relieved. A typical plunger 102 can bearound twenty inches in height from a base of the plunger cup 110 to atop of the handle 112. The plunger cup 110 can create a seal around anopening of a clogged pipe to isolate a pocket of air within the plungercup 110 from an outside environment.

The plunger handle 112 can be used by a user to hold the plunger 102 andapply a force to the plunger cup 110. The plunger handle 112 can includea fixed portion 116 and a removable portion 118.

The fixed portion 116 provides a grippable surface for the plunger 102.The fixed portion 116 is fixed to an outside surface of the plunger cup110. The fixed portion 116 can be centered in relation to a fringe ofthe plunger cup 110. The fixed portion 116 can be made of any sturdymaterial including wood, plastics, metal, or any other suitable sturdymaterial.

The removable portion 118 can be removably coupled to an end of thefixed portion 116 opposite from an end of the fixed portion 116 coupledto the plunger cup 110. In certain embodiments, the removable portion118 can extend three inches.

The removable portion 118 can include a disposable cover storage 120 forstoring disposable covers 106. The disposable cover storage 120 canstore multiple disposable covers 106. As a disposable cover 106 isremoved from the disposable cover storage 120 for use, a subsequentdisposable cover 108 can have a portion extend from the disposable coverstorage 120 for the next use.

In certain embodiments, the disposable cover storage 120 can beaccessible to replace subsequent disposable covers 108. For example, apack of disposable covers 106 or multiple disposable covers can beinserted into the disposable cover storage 120 for multiple uses. Thedisposable cover storage 120 can have a flexible opening that can beexpanded to access the disposable cover storage.

In certain embodiments, the disposable cover storage 120 is notaccessible without destroying the removable portion 118 of the plungerhandle 112. A separate removable portion 118 of the plunger handle 112can be purchased with a disposable cover storage 120 filled withdisposable covers 106. Each time the disposable cover storage isemptied, a new removeable portion 118 with a disposable cover storage120 filled with disposable covers 106 can replace the old removableportion 118 that has a disposable cover storage 120 depleted ofdisposable covers 106.

The plunger handle 112 can further include a disposable cover passage122. The disposable cover passage 122 can extend through either or bothof the fixed portion 116 and the removable portion 118 of the plungerhandle 112. The disposable cover passage 122 can end on an inside of theplunger cup 110.

The disposable cover fastener 114 can fasten the disposable cover 106 tothe plunger handle 112. While illustrated as positioned between thefixed portion 116 and the removeable portion 118 of the plunger handle110, the disposable cover fastener can be positioned anywhere on thefixed portion 116 or the removeable portion 118 of the plunger handle110.

The disposable cover fastener 114 can be an expandable ring thatcontracts around the plunger handle 110. The expandable ring can be madeof an elastic material, such as a rubber, amorphous polymer, or anyother suitable elastic material. The expandable ring can be pulled toplace ends of the disposable cover 106 between the expandable ring andthe plunger handle 112. Once the ends of the disposable cover 106 are inplace, the expandable ring can be released to retract, compressing andholding the ends of the disposable cover 106 to the plunger handle 112in order to maintain the disposable cover 106 around the plunger cup110.

In certain embodiments, the disposable cover fastener 114 can be a hook,clip, or any other fastener for holding a cover around an outsidesurface of the plunger cup 110 and the fixed portion 116 of the plungerhandle 112. The disposable cover 106 can be fastened on using thedisposable cover fastener 114 to maintain the disposable cover 106 tothe outside of the plunger 102 while clearing a clogged pipe.

The container 104 can store the plunger 102 while being moreaesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 104 can also protectthe plunger 102 from other contaminants while not in use. The container104 can include a container body 124, a container base 126, a containerlid 128, a container dome 130, and a container handle 132. The containerbody 124, the container base 126, and the container lid 128 can containthe plunger 102.

The container body 124 can be any shape to receive the plunger 102. Forexample, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. Thecontainer body 124 can extend a length greater than a length of theplunger 102. The container body 124 can be made of a sturdy materialthat is aesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any othersuitable material.

The container base 126 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of thecontainer body 124. The container base 126 can include features likefeet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 126 can be the samematerial or a different material from the container body 124. Forexample, the container base 126 could be a hard plastic while thecontainer body 124 is metal.

The container lid 128 can removably coupled to an end of the containerbody 124 opposite from the container base 126. The container lid 128 canbe removed in order to store or remove the plunger 102. The containerlid 128 can be fit coupled with the container body 124 where thecontainer lid 128 can be manually or automatically separated from thecontainer body 124. The container lid 128 can be hingedly coupled withthe container body 124. The container lid 128 can be rotated about ahinge to expose an interior of the container body 124. The container lid128 can be made of a similar material or different material from eitheror both of the container body 124 and the container base 126. In certainembodiments, the container lid 128 and the container body 124 can bemade of matching materials while the container base 126 can be made of adifferent material. In other embodiments, the container lid 128 and thecontainer base 126 can be made of matching materials while the containerbody 124 can be made of a different material.

The container dome 130 can extend from the container base 126 into theinterior of the container body 124. The container dome 130 can be shapedsimilarly to an inside of the plunger cup 110. The container dome 130can help position the disposable cover 106 within the interior of theplunger cup 110. The container dome 130 can be made of a similarmaterial to the base 126. In certain embodiments, the container dome 130can be made of a less expensive plastic due to not being seen from theexterior of the container 104.

The container handle 132 can be coupled to the container lid 128. Thecontainer handle 132 can be used to control coupling and removing of thecontainer lid 128. For example, a user can lift the container handle 132to expose an interior of the container 104. The container handle 132 canbe made of a matching or different material from the container lid 128.

The disposable cover 106 can cover the plunger cup 106 and the fixedportion 116 of the plunger handle 112. Multiple disposable covers 106can be stored in the disposable cover storage 120 of the handle 112. Adisposable cover 106 can be partially withdrawn from the disposablecover storage 120 of the removeable portion 118 of the plunger handle112. The partially withdrawn portion of the disposable cover 106 can beused to remove the entire disposable cover 106 from the disposable coverstorage 120 or to be threaded through the disposable cover passage 122to an inside of the plunger cup 110. The disposable cover 106 can bepulled out of the disposable cover passage 122 and inverted around theplunger cup 110. The disposable cover 106 can be attached to the plungerhandle 112 by the disposable cover fastener 114.

As back end of the disposable cover 106 is finally removed from thedisposable cover passage 122, a subsequent disposable cover 108 isexposed from the disposable cover passage 122 a distance that allows forsubsequent use while not interfering with the current plunging. Thefront end of the disposable cover 106 is opened and the back end of thedisposable cover 106 is closed. When the subsequent disposable cover 108is pulled through the disposable cover passage 122, the disposable covercan extend into the plunger cup for an amount that can be gripped by auser but not interfere with plunging.

After plunging activities have occurred, the disposable cover 106 can beremoved from the disposable cover fastener 114. The disposable cover 106can be flipped inside out trapping the contaminants inside of thedisposable cover. The disposable cover 106 can be disposed of in thetrash. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover 106 is made of amaterial that disintegrates after an extended period from exposure tofluids, including water. The disposable cover 106 can be properlydisposed of in the toilet or unclogged pipe. For example, the disposablecover 106 can be designed to dissolve after ten minutes of exposure tofluids, including water.

Although FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example plunger system 100,various changes may be made to FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the sizes,shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 100 and their individualcomponents can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placementof various components of the plunger system 100 can vary as needed ordesired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any othersuitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processesdescribed above.

FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an example plunger system 200 inaccordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2A illustrates anexample plunger system 200 with a plunger 202 in a plunger container204, FIG. 2B illustrates an example plunger container 204, and FIG. 2Cillustrates an example disposable bag 206 applied to the plunger 202within the plunger container 204. The embodiments of the plunger system200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2C are for illustration only. FIGS.2A through 2C do not limit the scope of this disclosure to anyparticular implementation of a plunger system.

As shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C, plunger system 200 can reducecontamination spread by incorporating a disposable cover 206. Thedisposable cover 206 can isolate the surfaces of the plunger 202 fromany contaminants related to a backed up pipe. The disposable cover 206can conform to the inner surfaces of the plunger 202 to maximize the airplunged to relieve a clogged pipe. After the pipe is unclogged, thedisposable cover 206 can be removed from the plunger 202 and disposed ofin the toilet or other trash. The plunger 202 can be returned to theplunger container 204 without spreading any contaminants. In certainembodiments, a replacement disposable cover 208 can be manually orautomatically positioned over the plunger 202 to be ready for asubsequent clogging.

The plunger 202 can be used to relieve clogged pipes and can fit withinthe plunger container 204. The plunger 202 can include a plunger cup210, a plunger handle 212, and a disposable cover fastener 214. When apipe needs to be unclogged, the plunger cup 210 can have an opened endplaced over the pipe or area leading to a pipe such as a toilet. Theplunger cup 210 can include one or more through holes 216. The throughhole 216 is a hole that extends completely through the plunger cup 210,which would typically render the plunger cup 210 useless by not beingable to create a sealed pocket of air on the interior of the plunger cup210. However, when the plunger 202 is placed into the disposable cover206, a barrier is created by the disposable cover 206. The through holes216 allow any air between an interior surface of the plunger cup 210 andthe corresponding surface of the disposable cover 206 to be evacuatedoutside of the plunger cup 210. This evacuation of air from the plungercup 210 cause a vacuum to draw the disposable cover to the interiorsurface of the plunger cup 210 blocking the through holes andeffectively allowing for the disposable cover 206 to create the pocketof air used to plunge the clogged pipe. The number of through holes canvary with a size of a plunger cup 210. Also, the placement of thethrough holes 216 can vary and include multiple rows at differentheights of the plunger cup 210.

The plunger cup 210 with the disposable cover 206 can create a sealaround the pipe between a pocket of air inside of the plunger cup 210and the environment outside of the plunger cup 210. A user can apply alinear force to the plunger handle 212 in the direction of the plungercup 210 to forcibly move the air into the pipe, relieving the cloggedpipe after one or more pumps.

When the clogged pipe is not relieved on a pump, the plunger handle 212can be lifted in the opposite direction of the pump to break the seal ofthe plunger cup 210. The plunger cup 210 is replaced around the pipeopening to reengage the seal of the plunger cup 210. The process can berepeated until the clogged is relieved. A typical plunger 202 can bearound twenty inches in height from a base of the plunger cup 210 to atop of the plunger handle 212. The plunger cup 210 can create a sealaround an opening of a clogged pipe to isolate a pocket of air withinthe plunger cup 210 from an outside environment.

The plunger handle 212 can be used by a user to hold the plunger 202 andapply a force to the plunger cup 210. The plunger handle 212 provides agrippable surface for the plunger 202. The plunger handle 212 is fixedto an outside surface of the plunger cup 210. The plunger handle 212 canbe centered in relation to a fringe of the plunger cup 210. The plungerhandle 212 can be made of any sturdy material including wood, plastics,metal, or any other suitable sturdy material. The disposable coverfastener 214 can fasten the disposable cover 206 to the plunger handle212. The disposable cover fastener can be positioned anywhere on theplunger handle 210.

The disposable cover fastener 214 can be an expandable ring thatcontracts around the plunger handle 210. The expandable ring can be madeof an elastic material, such as a rubber, amorphous polymer, or anyother suitable elastic material. The expandable ring can be pulled toplace ends of the disposable cover 206 between the expandable ring andthe plunger handle 212. Once the ends of the disposable cover 206 are inplace, the expandable ring can be released to retract, compressing andholding the ends of the disposable cover 206 to the plunger handle 212in order to maintain the disposable cover 206 around the plunger cup210.

In certain embodiments, the disposable cover fastener 214 can be a hook,clip, or any other fastener for holding a cover around an outsidesurface of the plunger cup 210 and the plunger handle 212. Thedisposable cover 206 can be fastened on using the disposable coverfastener 214 to maintain the disposable cover 206 to the outside of theplunger 202 while clearing a clogged pipe.

The container 204 can store the plunger 202 while being moreaesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 204 can also protectthe plunger 202 from other contaminants while not in use. The container204 can include a container body 224, a container base 226, a containerlid 228, and disposable cover fixtures 230. The container body 224, thecontainer base 226, and the container lid 228 can contain the plunger202.

The container body 224 can be any shape to receive the plunger 202. Forexample, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. Thecontainer body 224 can extend a length greater than a length of theplunger 202. The container body 224 can be made of a sturdy materialthat is aesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any othersuitable material.

The container base 226 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of thecontainer body 224. The container base 226 can include features likefeet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 226 can be the samematerial or a different material from the container body 224. Forexample, the container base 226 could be a hard plastic while thecontainer body 224 is metal.

The container lid 228 can removably coupled to an end of the containerbody 224 opposite from the container base 226. The container lid 228 canbe removed in order to store or remove the plunger 202. The containerlid 228 can be fit coupled with the container body 224 where thecontainer lid 228 can be manually or automatically separated from thecontainer body 224. The container lid 228 can be hingedly coupled withthe container body 224. The container lid 228 can be rotated about ahinge to expose an interior of the container body 224. The container lid228 can be made of a similar material or different material from eitheror both of the container body 224 and the container base 226. In certainembodiments, the container lid 228 and the container body 224 can bemade of matching materials while the container base 226 can be made of adifferent material. In other embodiments, the container lid 228 and thecontainer base 226 can be made of matching materials while the containerbody 224 can be made of a different material.

The disposable cover fixtures 230 can be used to hang disposable covers206. The disposable cover fixtures 230 can extend from an interiorsurface of the container body 224. The disposable cover 206 can coverthe plunger cup 206 and the plunger handle 212. Multiple disposablecovers 206 can be stored in the interior of the plunger container on thedisposable cover fixture 230. A disposable cover 206 can be partiallywithdrawn from the disposable cover fixture 230. The partially withdrawnportion of the disposable cover 206 can be used to separate an open endof the disposable cover 206. The plunger 202 can be inserted into thedisposable cover 206 for a next use.

As the disposable cover 206 is removed from the disposable cover fixture230, a subsequent disposable cover 208 can be partially removed from thedisposable cover fixture 230 a distance that allows for subsequent usewhile not interfering with removing the plunger 202 from the plungercontainer 204.

After plunging activities have occurred, the disposable cover 206 can beremoved from the disposable cover fastener 214. The disposable cover 206can be flipped inside out trapping the contaminants inside of thedisposable cover. The disposable cover 206 can be disposed of in thetrash. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover 206 is made of amaterial that disintegrates after an extended period from exposure tofluids, including water. The disposable cover 206 can be properlydisposed of in the toilet or unclogged pipe. For example, the disposablecover 206 can be designed to dissolve after ten minutes of exposure tofluids, including water.

Although FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an example plunger system 200,various changes may be made to FIGS. 2A through 2C. For example, thesizes, shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 200 and theirindividual components can vary as needed or desired. Also, the numberand placement of various components of the plunger system 200 can varyas needed or desired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in anyother suitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specificprocesses described above.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example plunger system 300 in accordancewith this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 3A illustrates an exampleplunger system 300 with a plunger 302 in a plunger container 304, FIG.3B illustrates an example disposable bag 306 applied to the plunger 302within the plunger container 304. The embodiments of the plunger system300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B are for illustration only. FIGS. 3Aand 3B do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particularimplementation of a plunger system.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, plunger system 300 can reduce contaminationspread by incorporating a disposable cover 306. The disposable cover 306can isolate the surfaces of the plunger 302 from any contaminantsrelated to a backed up pipe. The disposable cover 306 can conform to theinner surfaces of the plunger 302 to maximize the air plunged to relievea clogged pipe. After the pipe is unclogged, the disposable cover 306can be removed from the plunger 302 and disposed of in the toilet orother trash. The plunger 302 can be returned to the plunger container304 without spreading any contaminants. In certain embodiments, areplacement disposable cover 308 can be manually or automaticallypositioned over the plunger 302 to be ready for a subsequent clogging.

The plunger 302 can be used to relieve clogged pipes and can fit withinthe plunger container 304. The plunger 302 can include a plunger cup310, a plunger handle 312, and a disposable cover fastener 314. When apipe needs to be unclogged, the plunger cup 310 can have an opened endplaced over the pipe or area leading to a pipe such as a toilet. Theplunger handle 312 can include a through hole 316. The through hole 316is a hole that extends completely through the plunger handle 312 fromthe plunger cup 310, which would typically render the plunger cup 310useless by not being able to create a sealed pocket of air on theinterior of the plunger cup 310. However, when the plunger 302 is placedinto the disposable cover 306, a barrier is created by the disposablecover 306. The through hole 316 allows any air between an interiorsurface of the plunger cup 310 and the corresponding surface of thedisposable cover 306 to be evacuated outside of the plunger cup 310.This evacuation of air from the plunger cup 310 cause a vacuum to drawthe disposable cover to the interior surface of the plunger cup 310blocking the through holes and effectively allowing for the disposablecover 306 to create the pocket of air used to plunge the clogged pipe.

The plunger cup 310 with the disposable cover 306 can create a sealaround the pipe between a pocket of air inside of the plunger cup 310and the environment outside of the plunger cup 310. A user can apply alinear force to the plunger handle 312 in the direction of the plungercup 310 to forcibly move the air into the pipe, relieving the cloggedpipe after one or more pumps.

When the clogged pipe is not relieved on a pump, the plunger handle 312can be lifted in the opposite direction of the pump to break the seal ofthe plunger cup 310. The plunger cup 310 is replaced around the pipeopening to reengage the seal of the plunger cup 310. The process can berepeated until the clogged is relieved. A typical plunger 302 can bearound twenty inches in height from a base of the plunger cup 310 to atop of the plunger handle 312. The plunger cup 310 can create a sealaround an opening of a clogged pipe to isolate a pocket of air withinthe plunger cup 310 from an outside environment.

The plunger handle 312 can be used by a user to hold the plunger 302 andapply a force to the plunger cup 310. The plunger handle 312 provides agrippable surface for the plunger 302. The plunger handle 312 is fixedto an outside surface of the plunger cup 310. The plunger handle 312 canbe centered in relation to a fringe of the plunger cup 310. The plungerhandle 312 can be made of any sturdy material including wood, plastics,metal, or any other suitable sturdy material. The disposable coverfastener 314 can fasten the disposable cover 306 to the plunger handle312. The disposable cover fastener can be positioned anywhere on theplunger handle 310.

The disposable cover fastener 314 can be an expandable ring thatcontracts around the plunger handle 310. The expandable ring can be madeof an elastic material, such as a rubber, amorphous polymer, or anyother suitable elastic material. The expandable ring can be pulled toplace ends of the disposable cover 306 between the expandable ring andthe plunger handle 312. Once the ends of the disposable cover 306 are inplace, the expandable ring can be released to retract, compressing andholding the ends of the disposable cover 306 to the plunger handle 312in order to maintain the disposable cover 306 around the plunger cup310.

In certain embodiments, the disposable cover fastener 314 can be a hook,clip, or any other fastener for holding a cover around an outsidesurface of the plunger cup 310 and the plunger handle 312. Thedisposable cover 306 can be fastened on using the disposable coverfastener 314 to maintain the disposable cover 306 to the outside of theplunger 302 while clearing a clogged pipe.

The container 304 can store the plunger 302 while being moreaesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 304 can also protectthe plunger 302 from other contaminants while not in use. The container304 can include a container body 324, a container base 326, a containerlid 328, and disposable cover fixtures 330. The container body 324, thecontainer base 326, and the container lid 328 can contain the plunger302.

The container body 324 can be any shape to receive the plunger 302. Forexample, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. Thecontainer body 324 can extend a length greater than a length of theplunger 302. The container body 324 can be made of a sturdy materialthat is aesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any othersuitable material.

The container base 326 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of thecontainer body 324. The container base 326 can include features likefeet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 326 can be the samematerial or a different material from the container body 324. Forexample, the container base 326 could be a hard plastic while thecontainer body 324 is metal.

The container lid 328 can removably coupled to an end of the containerbody 324 opposite from the container base 326. The container lid 328 canbe removed in order to store or remove the plunger 302. The containerlid 328 can be fit coupled with the container body 324 where thecontainer lid 328 can be manually or automatically separated from thecontainer body 324. The container lid 328 can be hingedly coupled withthe container body 324. The container lid 328 can be rotated about ahinge to expose an interior of the container body 324. The container lid328 can be made of a similar material or different material from eitheror both of the container body 324 and the container base 326. In certainembodiments, the container lid 328 and the container body 324 can bemade of matching materials while the container base 326 can be made of adifferent material. In other embodiments, the container lid 328 and thecontainer base 326 can be made of matching materials while the containerbody 324 can be made of a different material.

The disposable cover fixtures 330 can be used to hang disposable covers306. The disposable cover fixtures 330 can extend from an interiorsurface of the container body 324. The disposable cover 306 can coverthe plunger cup 306 and the plunger handle 312. Multiple disposablecovers 306 can be stored in the interior of the plunger container on thedisposable cover fixture 330. A disposable cover 306 can be partiallywithdrawn from the disposable cover fixture 330. The partially withdrawnportion of the disposable cover 306 can be used to separate an open endof the disposable cover 306. The plunger 302 can be inserted into thedisposable cover 306 for a next use.

As the disposable cover 306 is removed from the disposable cover fixture330, a subsequent disposable cover 308 can be partially removed from thedisposable cover fixture 330 a distance that allows for subsequent usewhile not interfering with removing the plunger 302 from the plungercontainer 304.

After plunging activities have occurred, the disposable cover 306 can beremoved from the disposable cover fastener 314. The disposable cover 306can be flipped inside out trapping the contaminants inside of thedisposable cover. The disposable cover 306 can be disposed of in thetrash. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover 306 is made of amaterial that disintegrates after an extended period from exposure tofluids, including water. The disposable cover 306 can be properlydisposed of in the toilet or unclogged pipe. For example, the disposablecover 306 can be designed to dissolve after ten minutes of exposure tofluids, including water.

Although FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example plunger system 300,various changes may be made to FIGS. 3A and 3B. For example, the sizes,shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 300 and their individualcomponents can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placementof various components of the plunger system 300 can vary as needed ordesired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any othersuitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processesdescribed above.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example plunger system 400 in accordancewith this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates an exampleplunger system 400 with a plunger 402 in a plunger container 404, FIG.4B illustrates an example disposable bag 406 applied to the plunger 402within the plunger container 404. The embodiments of the plunger system400 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B are for illustration only. FIGS. 4Aand 4B do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particularimplementation of a plunger system.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, plunger system 400 can reduce contaminationspread by incorporating a disposable cover 406. The disposable cover 406can isolate the surfaces of the plunger 402 from any contaminantsrelated to a backed up pipe. The disposable cover 406 can conform to theinner surfaces of the plunger 402 to maximize the air plunged to relievea clogged pipe. After the pipe is unclogged, the disposable cover 406can be removed from the plunger 402 and disposed of in the toilet orother trash. The plunger 402 can be returned to the plunger container404 without spreading any contaminants. In certain embodiments, areplacement disposable cover 408 can be manually or automaticallypositioned over the plunger 402 to be ready for a subsequent clogging.

The plunger 402 can be used to relieve clogged pipes and can fit withinthe plunger container 404. The plunger 402 can include a plunger cup410, a plunger handle 412, and a disposable cover fastener 414. When apipe needs to be unclogged, the plunger cup 410 can have an opened endplaced over the pipe or area leading to a pipe such as a toilet. Theplunger handle 412 can include a through hole 416. The through hole 416is a hole that extends completely through the plunger handle 412 fromthe plunger cup 410, which would typically render the plunger cup 410useless by not being able to create a sealed pocket of air on theinterior of the plunger cup 410. However, when the plunger 402 is placedinto the disposable cover 406, a barrier is created by the disposablecover 406. The through hole 416 allows any air between an interiorsurface of the plunger cup 410 and the corresponding surface of thedisposable cover 406 to be evacuated outside of the plunger cup 410.This evacuation of air from the plunger cup 410 cause a vacuum to drawthe disposable cover to the interior surface of the plunger cup 410blocking the through holes and effectively allowing for the disposablecover 406 to create the pocket of air used to plunge the clogged pipe.

The plunger cup 410 with the disposable cover 406 can create a sealaround the pipe between a pocket of air inside of the plunger cup 410and the environment outside of the plunger cup 410. A user can apply alinear force to the plunger handle 412 in the direction of the plungercup 410 to forcibly move the air into the pipe, relieving the cloggedpipe after one or more pumps.

When the clogged pipe is not relieved on a pump, the plunger handle 412can be lifted in the opposite direction of the pump to break the seal ofthe plunger cup 410. The plunger cup 410 is replaced around the pipeopening to reengage the seal of the plunger cup 410. The process can berepeated until the clogged is relieved. A typical plunger 402 can bearound twenty inches in height from a base of the plunger cup 410 to atop of the plunger handle 412. The plunger cup 410 can create a sealaround an opening of a clogged pipe to isolate a pocket of air withinthe plunger cup 410 from an outside environment.

The plunger handle 412 can be used by a user to hold the plunger 402 andapply a force to the plunger cup 410. The plunger handle 412 provides agrippable surface for the plunger 402. The plunger handle 412 is fixedto an outside surface of the plunger cup 410. The plunger handle 412 canbe centered in relation to a fringe of the plunger cup 410. The plungerhandle 412 can be made of any sturdy material including wood, plastics,metal, or any other suitable sturdy material. The disposable coverfastener 414 can fasten the disposable cover 406 to the plunger handle412. The disposable cover fastener can be positioned anywhere on theplunger handle 410.

The disposable cover fastener 414 can be an expandable ring thatcontracts around the plunger handle 410. The expandable ring can be madeof an elastic material, such as a rubber, amorphous polymer, or anyother suitable elastic material. The expandable ring can be pulled toplace ends of the disposable cover 406 between the expandable ring andthe plunger handle 412. Once the ends of the disposable cover 406 are inplace, the expandable ring can be released to retract, compressing andholding the ends of the disposable cover 406 to the plunger handle 412in order to maintain the disposable cover 406 around the plunger cup410.

In certain embodiments, the disposable cover fastener 414 can be a hook,clip, or any other fastener for holding a cover around an outsidesurface of the plunger cup 410 and the plunger handle 412. Thedisposable cover 406 can be fastened on using the disposable coverfastener 414 to maintain the disposable cover 406 to the outside of theplunger 402 while clearing a clogged pipe.

The container 404 can store the plunger 402 while being moreaesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 404 can also protectthe plunger 402 from other contaminants while not in use. The container404 can include a container body 424, a container base 426, a containerlid 428, and disposable cover fixtures 430. The container body 424, thecontainer base 426, and the container lid 428 can contain the plunger402.

The container body 424 can be any shape to receive the plunger 402. Forexample, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. Thecontainer body 424 can extend a length greater than a length of theplunger 402. The container body 424 can be made of a sturdy materialthat is aesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any othersuitable material.

The container base 426 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of thecontainer body 424. The container base 426 can include features likefeet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 426 can be the samematerial or a different material from the container body 424. Forexample, the container base 426 could be a hard plastic while thecontainer body 424 is metal.

The container lid 428 can removably coupled to an end of the containerbody 424 opposite from the container base 426. The container lid 428 canbe removed in order to store or remove the plunger 402. The containerlid 428 can be fit coupled with the container body 424 where thecontainer lid 428 can be manually or automatically separated from thecontainer body 424. The container lid 428 can be hingedly coupled withthe container body 424. The container lid 428 can be rotated about ahinge to expose an interior of the container body 424. The container lid428 can be made of a similar material or different material from eitheror both of the container body 424 and the container base 426. In certainembodiments, the container lid 428 and the container body 424 can bemade of matching materials while the container base 426 can be made of adifferent material. In other embodiments, the container lid 428 and thecontainer base 426 can be made of matching materials while the containerbody 424 can be made of a different material.

The disposable cover fixtures 430 can be used to hang disposable covers406. The disposable cover fixtures 430 can extend from an interiorsurface of the container body 424. The disposable cover 406 can coverthe plunger cup 406 and the plunger handle 412. Multiple disposablecovers 406 can be stored in the interior of the plunger container on thedisposable cover fixture 430. A disposable cover 406 can be partiallywithdrawn from the disposable cover fixture 430. The partially withdrawnportion of the disposable cover 406 can be used to separate an open endof the disposable cover 406. The plunger 402 can be inserted into thedisposable cover 406 for a next use.

As the disposable cover 406 is removed from the disposable cover fixture430, a subsequent disposable cover 408 can be partially removed from thedisposable cover fixture 430 a distance that allows for subsequent usewhile not interfering with removing the plunger 402 from the plungercontainer 404.

After plunging activities have occurred, the disposable cover 406 can beremoved from the disposable cover fastener 414. The disposable cover 406can be flipped inside out trapping the contaminants inside of thedisposable cover. The disposable cover 406 can be disposed of in thetrash. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover 406 is made of amaterial that disintegrates after an extended period from exposure tofluids, including water. The disposable cover 406 can be properlydisposed of in the toilet or unclogged pipe. For example, the disposablecover 406 can be designed to dissolve after ten minutes of exposure tofluids, including water.

Although FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example plunger system 400,various changes may be made to FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, the sizes,shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 400 and their individualcomponents can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placementof various components of the plunger system 400 can vary as needed ordesired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any othersuitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processesdescribed above.

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate an example plunger container inaccordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 5A illustrates anexample plunger system 500 with a plunger 502 in a plunger container504, FIG. 5B illustrates an example plunger container 504, and FIG. 5Cillustrates an example disposable bag 506 applied to the plunger 502within the plunger container 504. The embodiments of the plunger system500 illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5C are for illustration only. FIGS.5A through 5C do not limit the scope of this disclosure to anyparticular implementation of a plunger system.

As shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C, the container 500 can store a plungerwhile being more aesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 500can also protect the plunger from other contaminants while not in use.The container 500 can include a container body 524, a container base526, a container lid 528, and disposable cover fixtures 530. Thecontainer body 524, the container base 526, and the container lid 528can contain a plunger.

The container body 524 can be any shape to receive a plunger. Forexample, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. Thecontainer body 524 can extend a length greater than a length of theplunger. The container body 524 can be made of a sturdy material that isaesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any othersuitable material.

The container base 526 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of thecontainer body 524. The container base 526 can include features likefeet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 526 can be the samematerial or a different material from the container body 524. Forexample, the container base 526 could be a hard plastic while thecontainer body 524 is metal.

The container lid 528 can removably coupled to an end of the containerbody 524 opposite from the container base 526. The container lid 528 canbe removed in order to store or remove the plunger 502. The containerlid 528 can be fit coupled with the container body 524 where thecontainer lid 528 can be manually or automatically separated from thecontainer body 524. The container lid 528 can be hingedly coupled withthe container body 524. The container lid 528 can be rotated about ahinge to expose an interior of the container body 524. The container lid528 can be made of a similar material or different material from eitheror both of the container body 524 and the container base 526. In certainembodiments, the container lid 528 and the container body 524 can bemade of matching materials while the container base 526 can be made of adifferent material. In other embodiments, the container lid 528 and thecontainer base 526 can be made of matching materials while the containerbody 524 can be made of a different material.

The disposable cover fixtures 530 can be used to hang disposable covers506. The disposable cover fixtures 530 can extend from an interiorsurface of the container lid 528. When the container lid 528 is opened,the disposable covers 506 are lifted from the interior above a topsurface of the container body 524 providing easier access to thedisposable cover 506. Multiple disposable covers 506 can be stored inthe interior of the plunger container 500 on the disposable coverfixture 530. A disposable cover 506 can be partially withdrawn from thedisposable cover fixture 530. The partially withdrawn portion of thedisposable cover 506 can be used to separate an open end of thedisposable cover 506. The plunger can be inserted into the disposablecover 506 for a next use.

Although FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate an example plunger system 500,various changes may be made to FIGS. 5A through 5C. For example, thesizes, shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 500 and theirindividual components can vary as needed or desired. Also, the numberand placement of various components of the plunger system 500 can varyas needed or desired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in anyother suitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specificprocesses described above.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example plunger container 600 inaccordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 6A illustrates anexample plunger container 600 with a, FIG. 6B illustrates an exampledisposable bag 606 applied to the plunger 602 within the plungercontainer 604. The embodiments of the plunger system 600 illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B are for illustration only. FIGS. 6A and 6B do not limitthe scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of aplunger system.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the container 600 can store a plunger whilebeing more aesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 600 canalso protect the plunger from other contaminants while not in use. Thecontainer 600 can include a container body 624, a container base 626, acontainer lid 628, and disposable cover fixtures 630. The container body624, the container base 626, and the container lid 628 can contain aplunger.

The container body 624 can be any shape to receive a plunger. Forexample, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. Thecontainer body 624 can extend a length greater than a length of theplunger. The container body 624 can be made of a sturdy material that isaesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any othersuitable material.

The container base 626 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of thecontainer body 624. The container base 626 can include features likefeet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 626 can be the samematerial or a different material from the container body 624. Forexample, the container base 626 could be a hard plastic while thecontainer body 624 is metal.

The container lid 628 can removably coupled to an end of the containerbody 624 opposite from the container base 626. The container lid 628 canbe removed in order to store or remove the plunger 602. The containerlid 628 can be coupled with the container body 624 using a hinge 610.The container lid 628 can be rotated about a hinge to expose an interiorof the container body 624. The container lid 628 can be made of asimilar material or different material from either or both of thecontainer body 624 and the container base 626. In certain embodiments,the container lid 628 and the container body 624 can be made of matchingmaterials while the container base 626 can be made of a differentmaterial. In other embodiments, the container lid 628 and the containerbase 626 can be made of matching materials while the container body 624can be made of a different material.

The container lid 628 can also contain disposable cover containerfasteners 604 for holding a disposable cover container 602. Thedisposable cover container fasteners 604 can be any type of fastener forsecuring a disposable cover container 602 to an inside of the containerlid 628. For example, the disposable cover container fasteners can beflexible straps. The flexible straps can be extended to insert of removethe disposable cover container 602.

The disposable cover container 602 can hold multiple disposable covers606. The disposable cover container 602 can have a flexible outersurface with an opening 608 that can be opened by adding an inward forcefrom opposite ends of the disposable cover container 602. The openingallows for gripping a subsequent disposable cover 606 and overcoming aperforation between adjacent disposable covers 606.

Although FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example plunger system 600,various changes may be made to FIGS. 6A and 6B. For example, the sizes,shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 600 and their individualcomponents can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placementof various components of the plunger system 600 can vary as needed ordesired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any othersuitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processesdescribed above.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example plunger 700 in accordance withthis disclosure. In particular, FIG. 7A illustrates an example plunger700 and FIG. 7B illustrates an example disposable bag 706 applied to theplunger 700. The embodiments of the plunger 700 illustrated in FIGS. 7Aand 7B are for illustration only. FIGS. 7A and 7B do not limit the scopeof this disclosure to any particular implementation of a plunger.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a disposable cover 706 can isolate thesurfaces of the plunger 700 from any contaminants related to a backed uppipe. The disposable cover 706 can conform to the inner surfaces of theplunger 700 to maximize the air plunged to relieve a clogged pipe. Afterthe pipe is unclogged, the disposable cover 706 can be removed from theplunger 700 and disposed of in the toilet or other trash. The plunger700 can be returned to the plunger container without spreading anycontaminants. In certain embodiments, a replacement disposable cover 708can be manually or automatically positioned over the plunger 700 to beready for a subsequent clogging.

The plunger 700 can be used to relieve clogged pipes and can fit withina plunger container. The plunger 700 can include a plunger cup 710, aplunger handle 712, and a disposable cover fastener 714. When a pipeneeds to be unclogged, the plunger cup 710 can have an opened end placedover the pipe or area leading to a pipe such as a toilet. The plungercup 710 can create a seal around the pipe between a pocket of air insideof the plunger cup 710 and the environment outside of the plunger cup710. A user can apply a linear force to the plunger handle 712 in thedirection of the plunger cup 710 to forcibly move the air into the pipe,relieving the clogged pipe after one or more pumps.

When the clogged pipe is not relieved on a pump, the plunger handle 712can be lifted in the opposite direction of the pump to break the seal ofthe plunger cup 710. The plunger cup 710 is replaced around the pipeopening to reengage the seal of the plunger cup 710. The process can berepeated until the clogged is relieved. A typical plunger 700 can bearound twenty inches in height from a base of the plunger cup 710 to atop of the handle 712. The plunger cup 710 can create a seal around anopening of a clogged pipe to isolate a pocket of air within the plungercup 710 from an outside environment.

The plunger handle 712 can be used by a user to hold the plunger 700 andapply a force to the plunger cup 710. The plunger handle 712 can includea fixed portion 716 and a removable portion 718.

The fixed portion 716 provides a grippable surface for the plunger 700.The fixed portion 716 is fixed to an outside surface of the plunger cup710. The fixed portion 716 can be centered in relation to a fringe ofthe plunger cup 710. The fixed portion 716 can be made of any sturdymaterial including wood, plastics, metal, or any other suitable sturdymaterial.

The removable portion 718 can be removably coupled to an end of thefixed portion 716 opposite from an end of the fixed portion 716 coupledto the plunger cup 710. In certain embodiments, the removable portion718 can extend three inches.

The removable portion 718 can include a disposable cover storage 720 forstoring disposable covers 706. The disposable cover storage 720 canstore multiple disposable covers 706. As a disposable cover 706 isremoved from the disposable cover storage 720 for use, a subsequentdisposable cover 708 can have a portion extend from the disposable coverstorage 720 for the next use.

In certain embodiments, the disposable cover storage 720 can beaccessible to replace subsequent disposable covers 708. For example, apack of disposable covers 706 or multiple disposable covers can beinserted into the disposable cover storage 720 for multiple uses. Thedisposable cover storage 720 can have a flexible opening that can beexpanded to access the disposable cover storage.

In certain embodiments, the disposable cover storage 720 is notaccessible without destroying the removable portion 718 of the plungerhandle 712. A separate removable portion 718 of the plunger handle 712can be purchased with a disposable cover storage 720 filled withdisposable covers 706. Each time the disposable cover storage isemptied, a new removeable portion 718 with a disposable cover storage720 filled with disposable covers 706 can replace the old removableportion 718 that has a disposable cover storage 720 depleted ofdisposable covers 706.

The plunger handle 712 can further include a disposable cover passage722. The disposable cover passage 722 can extend through either or bothof the fixed portion 716 and the removable portion 718 of the plungerhandle 712. The disposable cover passage 722 can end on an inside of theplunger cup 710.

The disposable cover fastener 714 can fasten the disposable cover 706 tothe plunger handle 712. While illustrated as positioned between thefixed portion 716 and the removeable portion 718 of the plunger handle710, the disposable cover fastener can be positioned anywhere on thefixed portion 716 or the removeable portion 718 of the plunger handle710.

The disposable cover fastener 714 can be an expandable ring thatcontracts around the plunger handle 710. The expandable ring can be madeof an elastic material, such as a rubber, amorphous polymer, or anyother suitable elastic material. The expandable ring can be pulled toplace ends of the disposable cover 706 between the expandable ring andthe plunger handle 712. Once the ends of the disposable cover 706 are inplace, the expandable ring can be released to retract, compressing andholding the ends of the disposable cover 706 to the plunger handle 712in order to maintain the disposable cover 706 around the plunger cup710.

In certain embodiments, the disposable cover fastener 714 can be a hook,clip, or any other fastener for holding a cover around an outsidesurface of the plunger cup 710 and the fixed portion 716 of the plungerhandle 712. The disposable cover 706 can be fastened on using thedisposable cover fastener 714 to maintain the disposable cover 706 tothe outside of the plunger 700 while clearing a clogged pipe.

The disposable cover 706 can cover the plunger cup 706 and the fixedportion 716 of the plunger handle 712. Multiple disposable covers 706can be stored in the disposable cover storage 720 of the handle 712. Adisposable cover 706 can be partially withdrawn from the disposablecover storage 720 of the removeable portion 718 of the plunger handle712. The partially withdrawn portion of the disposable cover 706 can beused to remove the entire disposable cover 706 from the disposable coverstorage 720 or to be threaded through the disposable cover passage 722to an inside of the plunger cup 710. The disposable cover 706 can bepulled out of the disposable cover passage 722 and inverted around theplunger cup 710. The disposable cover 706 can be attached to the plungerhandle 712 by the disposable cover fastener 714.

As back end of the disposable cover 706 is finally removed from thedisposable cover passage 722, a subsequent disposable cover 708 isexposed from the disposable cover passage 722 a distance that allows forsubsequent use while not interfering with the current plunging. Thefront end of the disposable cover 706 is opened and the back end of thedisposable cover 706 is closed. When the subsequent disposable cover 708is pulled through the disposable cover passage 722, the disposable covercan extend into the plunger cup for an amount that can be gripped by auser but not interfere with plunging.

After plunging activities have occurred, the disposable cover 706 can beremoved from the disposable cover fastener 714. The disposable cover 706can be flipped inside out trapping the contaminants inside of thedisposable cover. The disposable cover 706 can be disposed of in thetrash. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover 706 is made of amaterial that disintegrates after an extended period from exposure tofluids, including water. The disposable cover 706 can be properlydisposed of in the toilet or unclogged pipe. For example, the disposablecover 706 can be designed to dissolve after ten minutes of exposure tofluids, including water.

Although FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example plunger 700, variouschanges may be made to FIGS. 7A and 7B. For example, the sizes, shapes,and dimensions of the plunger 700 and their individual components canvary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placement of variouscomponents of the plunger 700 can vary as needed or desired. Inaddition, the plunger system may be used in any other suitable sanitaryprocess and is not limited to the specific processes described above.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example plunger container 800 with aportion 802 of the container body 804 separating from another portion806 of the container body 804 in accordance with this disclosure. Thelid 808 secures the first portion 802 and the second portion 806 fromseparating. Removing the lid 808 allows for the first portion 802 openand away from the second portion 806.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example container lid 900 with a secondarylid 902 for access to a disposable cover storage 904 in the containerlid 900 in accordance with this disclosure. The secondary lid 902 can becoupled to the container lid 900 by any means, including fitting, hinge,etc. Disposable covers can be stored in the disposable cover storage 904of the container lid 900.

FIGS. 10A through 10C illustrate an example dual hinge container lid1000 for access to a disposable cover storage 1002 in the container lid1000 in accordance with this disclosure. The container lid 1000 caninclude a primary lid 1004 for accessing the interior of a plungercontainer 1006 and a secondary lid 1008 for accessing the disposablecover storage 1002. The primary lid 1004 can be coupled with the plungercontainer 1006 using a first hinge 1010. The secondary lid 1008 can becoupled to the primary lid 1004 using a secondary hinge 1012.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example container lid 1100 with adisposable cover drawer 1102 in accordance with this disclosure. Thedisposable cover drawer 1102 can be pulled out of the container lid 1100the expose a disposable cover storage.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate disposable covers 1200, 1210 in accordancewith this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12A, the disposable cover 1200can have a main portion 1202 that extends for a height greater than adistance from a bottom of a plunger cup to a disposable cover fastener.A circumference of a cross section of the main portion 1202 along thelength is greater than a largest circumference of a plunger cup. Thedisposable cover 1200 includes a ledge portion 1204 extending from anend of the main portion 1202. The ledge portion 1204 can extend at leasta thickness of a plunger cup. The disposable cover 1200 can also includea cup portion 1206 that can extend into the plunger cup. The ledgeportion 1204 can stop the disposable cover from pulling too tightly overthe plunger, allowing the cup portion 1206 to extend into the plungercup.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the disposable cover 1210 can have a main portion1212 that extends for a height greater than a distance from a bottom ofa plunger cup to a disposable cover fastener. A circumference of a crosssection of the main portion 1212 along the length is greater than alargest circumference of a plunger cup. The disposable cover 1210includes a narrow portion 1214 extending from an end of the main portion1212. The narrow portion 1214 has a cross section that is smaller than alargest circumference of the plunger cup. The disposable cover 1210 canalso include a cup portion 1216 that can extend into the plunger cup.The narrow portion 1214 can stop the disposable cover from pulling tootightly over the plunger, allowing the cup portion 1216 to extend intothe plunger cup.

FIGS. 13A through 13G illustrate a disposable cover fasteners 1300-1307in accordance with this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13A, the disposablecover fastener 1300 can be formed in a “C” shaped cylinder. The “C”shaped cylinder can have an opening that is used to position thedisposable cover fastener 1300 around a grip of the plunger to secure adisposable cover around a plunger. The disposable cover fastener 1300can be made of a flexible material, such as silicon, to allow forinsertion of the plunger into a center of the disposable cover fastener1300.

As shown in FIG. 13B, disposable cover fastener 1301 can be shapedsimilar to disposable cover fastener 1300. The disposable cover fastener1301 can have a top portion 1310 that has a greater thickness than abody portion 1312.

As shown in FIG. 13C, the disposable cover fastener 1302 can includehinges 1320 and clasps 1322. The hinges 1320 can allow for thedisposable cover fastener 1302 to be opened and closed. The clasps 1322can be secured to maintain the disposable cover fastener 1302 in aclosed positioned around a disposable cover and plunger.

As shown in FIGS. 13D and 13E, the disposable cover fasteners 1303 and1304 can be formed of an elastic material to bias a “wrapped”configuration. That is, the disposable cover fasteners 1303 and 1304 canbe stretched flat to be positioned on the plunger and when released thedisposable cover fasteners 1303 and 1304 can use the bias to wrap aroundthe plunger.

As shown in FIG. 13F, the disposable cover fastener 1305 can includehinges 1320, clasps 1322 and silicon rings 1324. The silicon rings 1324can be formed with a thicker silicone than the body portion 1312. Thesilicon rings 1324 can create a seal with the plunger to keep water fromentering the bags and exposing the plunger to contaminated liquid.

As shown in FIG. 13G, the disposable cover fastener 1306 can includehinges 1320 and silicon rings 1324. The silicon rings 1324 can be formedwith a thicker silicone than the body portion 1312. The silicon rings1324 can create a seal with the plunger to keep water from entering thebags and exposing the plunger to contaminated liquid.

FIG. 14A through 14E illustrate disposable cover containers 1400-1405 inaccordance with this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 14A, disposable coverfastener can include a disposable cover storage 1400. The disposablecover storage 1400 can extend from a top surface of a disposable coverfastener. The disposable cover storage 1400 can include a storageportion 1410 and a lid 1412. The storage portion 1410 can connect to asurface of the disposable cover fastener and have an interior space forstoring disposable covers. The lid 1412 can be separated from thestorage portion 1410 to expose the stored disposable cover to be removedfor covering the plungers.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the storage portion 1410 of the disposable covercontainer 1401 can include a bottom surface 1414 and a slit dispenser1416. The bottom surface 1414 can secure the disposable covers in theinterior of the storage portion 1410. The slit dispenser 1416 can belocated on a different surface from the bottom surface 1414. The slitdispenser 1416 allows for easy removal of disposable covers from aninterior of the storage portion 1410 of the disposable cover container1401.

As shown in FIG. 14C, the disposable cover container 1402 can be awaterproof sealed box. The disposable cover container 1402 can includedifferent storage compartments 1418 and 1420. The storage compartment1418 can be used to store disposable covers and the storage compartment1420 can be used to store any of the disposable cover fasteners. Thestorage compartment 1418 can include a cover with a slit dispenser 1422for removing individual disposable covers from the storage compartment1418. The disposable cover container 1402 can also include a lid 1424for enclosing the storage compartments 1418 and 1420. The lid 1424 canbe secured using a latch 1426.

As shown in FIG. 14D, the disposable cover container 1403 can includeseparate lids 1428 and 1430 for each storage compartment 1418 and 1420.In certain embodiments, the disposable cover container 1403 can have alid 1428 that does not cover the storage compartment 1418 for the slitdispenser 1422.

As shown in FIG. 14E, the disposable cover container 1404 can haveseparate lids 1428 and 1430 for each storage compartments and the lids1428 and 1430 can be rotate in opposite directions to be opened.

As shown in FIG. 14F, the disposable cover container 1405 can include aseal 1432. The seal 1432 can be positioned along an edge of the storagecontainer 1418 or along an edge of the lid 1424. The seal 1432 makes theinterior of the disposable cover container 1405 airtight when the lid1424 is closed with the storage container 1418.

FIG. 15 illustrates a disposable cover fastener 1500 for a plunger 1502in accordance with this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 15 , the disposablecover fastener 1500 can be formed in a “C” shaped cylinder. The “C”shaped cylinder can have an opening that is used to position thedisposable cover fastener 1500 around a grip of a plunger 1502 to securea disposable cover around the plunger 1502. The disposable coverfastener 1500 can include a center portion 1502 and outside portions1504. The center portion 1502 corresponds to an indentation 1506 on theplunger 1502. The indentation 1506 is a portion of the handle of theplunger 1502 with a reduced diameter. The center portion 1502 of thedisposable cover fastener 1500 has inner diameters that correspond tothe outside diameter of the indentation 1506. The outside portions 1504have a larger inner diameter than the center portion 1502. Thedisposable cover fastener 1500 can be made of a flexible material, suchas silicon, to allow for insertion of the plunger 1502 into a center ofthe disposable cover fastener 1500.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “include” and“comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion withoutlimitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase“associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include,be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within,connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperatewith, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have,have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. Thephrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means thatdifferent combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used,and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least oneof: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, Aand B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

The description in the present application should not be read asimplying that any particular element, step, or function is an essentialor critical element that must be included in the claim scope. The scopeof patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims.Moreover, none of the claims invokes 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect toany of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words“means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim,followed by a participle phrase identifying a function.

Although the present disclosure has been described with exemplaryembodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to oneskilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosureencompasses such changes and modifications as fall within the scope ofthe appended claims. None of the descriptions in this application shouldbe read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is anessential element that must be included in the claims scope. The scopeof patented subject matter is defined by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: positioning a disposablecover over a base of a plunger and extending along a handle of theplunger; and securing the disposable cover to the handle of the plungerusing a disposable cover fastener.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thedisposable cover is made of a material that degrades when exposed towater for a period of at least a minute.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the material degrades in water at a temperature at or above roomtemperature.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the disposable coverfastener is formed in a C-shaped cylinder.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed of an elastic materialto compress the disposable cover against the handle of the plunger. 6.The method of claim 4, wherein the disposable cover fastener includeshinges configured to open and close the C-shaped cylinder around thehandle of the plunger.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the disposablecover fastener is formed with an elastic material in a ring shape.
 8. Anapparatus comprising: a disposable cover positioned over a base of aplunger and extending along a handle of the plunger; and a disposablecover fastener configured to secure the disposable cover to the handleof the plunger.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the disposablecover is made of a material that degrades when exposed to water for aperiod of at least a minute.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein thematerial degrades in water at a temperature at or above roomtemperature.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the disposable coverfastener is formed in a C-shaped cylinder.
 12. The apparatus of claim11, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed of an elasticmaterial to compress the disposable cover against the handle of theplunger.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the disposable coverfastener includes hinges configured to open and close the C-shapedcylinder around the handle of the plunger.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed with an elastic materialin a ring shape.
 15. An apparatus comprising: a plunger including a baseand a handle; a disposable cover positioned over the base of the plungerand extending along the handle of the plunger; and a disposable coverfastener configured to secure the disposable cover to the handle of theplunger.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the disposable cover ismade of a material that degrades when exposed to water for a period ofat least a minute.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the materialdegrades in water at a temperature at or above room temperature.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formedin a C-shaped cylinder.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein thedisposable cover fastener is formed of an elastic material to compressthe disposable cover against the handle of the plunger.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formedwith an elastic material in a ring shape.